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D I A RY 

KEPT BY THE 

REV. JOSEPH EMERSON 

OF PEPPERELL, MASS. 
August i, 1748 — April 9, 1749 

SSSitf) Notes anil an Jntrotntctton 

BY 

SAMUEL A. GREEN 



DIARY 



KEPT BY THE 



REV. JOSEPH EMERSON 

OF PEPPERELL, MASS. 
August i, 1748 — April 9, 1749 



WLiti) "NattQ anti an JEntrotJuctioix 

BY 

SAMUEL A. GREEN 



CAMBRIDGE: 

JOHN WILSON AND SON. 

SautbecsttB ^Dress. 

1911. 



that time it disappeared again for some years, though more 
recently it has come to hght; and now by cold type and 
help of the printer's art it is placed beyond the contingency 
of a similar accident. 

Mr. Emerson's entries in regard to the daughter of the Rev- 
erend Jonathan Edwards, of Northampton, show that the 
diarist was a person of strong sensibilities, and that he had his 
share of the feelings common to human nature. Several en- 
tries in the diary bear witness that the young minister was 
badly smitten with the charms of Miss Esther Edwards, a girl 
who not long before had reached her teens. In several places 
Mr. Emerson speaks of her as Mrs. Esther Edwards or Mrs. 
Esther. In early times it was the custom to address ladies of 
high social position as Mistress or Mrs., without regard to 
their marital condition. A few years later she married Aaron 
Burr, a man considerably her senior in age, who was then 
President of the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton 
University. She became the mother of Aaron Burr, third Vice- 
President of the United States. From all accounts she was a 
woman of great attractions and many accomplishments, as 
naturally she might be both by heredity and environment. 
Her father was the most distinguished metaphysician of his 
time. 

Journal kept by the Rev. Joseph Emerson. 

August Mun I I visited 6 Families Stephen Halls Daniel Rolfe, 
James Lawrences, Benj'n Martins, James Greens, Thomas 
Williams. 

tues 2 I studied A: M: afternoon I went a fishing. 

wen 3 I went to Harvard, preached Mr. Seccombs ^ Lecture from 
John 4. 42. Brother Emerson with me, we went over to Bolton 
lodged at Dr. Greenleafs.- 

thu 4 we returned home. 

frid 5 I read some and studied chief of the Day. 

Sat 6 I Studied chief of the Day. 

Sab 7 preached all Day from ivhat is a Man profited, if he gain. 

1 John Seccombe (H. C, 1728). 

2 Daniel Greenleaf (H. C, 1699). 



niun 8 I visited 8 Families Isaac Williams, Elias Eliot, Eben: 
Gilson, Daniel Rolfe, Eben: Pierce, Nathan Hall, Will Warner, 
Widow Saunders, the Wife of Eb: Gilson is runing very wild, 
full of Enthusiasm. 

tues 9 I went up to Lunenburg lodged at Mr. Stearns} 

wen lo I rid over in the morning to Leominster in Company with 
Mr. Downe ^ the schoolmaster of Lunenburg returned to Mr. 
Stearns to Dinner, and home at Night. 

thur II I studied chief of the Day. 

fri 12 Studied forenoon, went up to Holies^ afternoon preached 
Brother Emerson Lecture from Isa: 12. 3 returned. 

Sat 13 Studied all Day. 

Sab 14 preached all Day from Mat: 5. 4. blessed arc they who mourn 
jar they shall be comjorted. 

Mun 15 I visited 3 Families Sam'll Fisk, Phinehas Chamberlin 
Deacon Lawrence, afternoon I went down to Groton and lodged 
at Mr. Trowbridge.'* 

tues 16 after making a visit and doing some Business I returned 
to my Lodging before noon, afternoon entertain Company. 

wen 17 Studied some, cut stalks for my Landlord part of the 
Day. 

thu 18 Studied all Day. 

frid 19 Studied forenoon, afternoon private meeting at my lodg- 
ing. I read a sermon of my Father's from ivisdom is of all her 
children.^ 

Sat 20 Studied all Day. 

Sab 21 A: M: preached from Blessed are they who mourn &°c P: M: 
from Lam: 3. 44. thou hast covered thyself with a cloud that our 
prayer should not pass thro'. 

mun 22 I visited 6 Families James Colburn, and his son, Will'm 
Blood, Benj. Swallow, Josiah Tucker, Josiah Lawrence, and so 
finished my pastoral Visits for this Year. 

1 David Stearns (H. C, 1728). 

2 Probably William Downe (H. C, 1738). 

' In the New Hampshire Laws published as late as 1815 the name of the town 
is spelt Holies. Before the Revolution the word was always written that way. 

* Caleb Trowbridge (H. C, 1710). 

^ Wisdom is Justified of all her Ciiildrcn, a Sermon in Boston, August 26, 
1742, Boston, 1742. 



tues 23 I went over to Lancaster lodged at Capt [Abijah] Willards. 

wen 24 Returned Home at Night. 

thurs 25 I studied all Day. I now have finished my 24th Year and 
entered upon my 25th may I do more for God this Year than 
ever I did. 

frid 26 Studied forenoon, afternoon discoursed with two persons 
who are about to joyn the chh. and one who seems to be under 
very strong Convictions. 

Sat 27 Studied very hard all Day. 

Sab 28 I preached all Day from the whole need not the physician 
but they that are sick. 

mun 29 I visited two sick persons who were prayed for Yesterday 
and conversed with two persons who are about owning the 
covenant. 

tues 30 I went up to Holies, heard of the sorrowful News of two of 
my parish quarreling last Night, one wounding the other with a 
knife as some are ready to fear dangerous. 

wen 31 I studied some at Brother Emerson's and returned went 
down to look of my workmen who are now building my Chimney. 

September thurs i I studied chief of the Day conversed with a 
Person about his Soul. Visited a sick woman. 

frid 2 Studied forenoon. Lecture afternoon Mr. Secomb preached 
on Pauls conversion. I was obliged to put by the Sacrament, 
for we could not obtain wine. 

Sat 3 I went out in order to settle some affair of my own, and visited 
a man who has received a wound in a quarrel with his Neighbor. 

Sab 4 I preached all Day from my Sheep hear my voice and I know 
'em and they jolloiv me. 

mun 5 Stopt from seting out in my Journey by the Rain, which 
was merciful & most plentiful we have had for a year past. 

tues 6 Sat out for Connecticut in company with Peter Powers of 
Holies in order to go to Newhaven Commencement we stoped 
at Mr. Trowbridges a little while and then rid over to Lancaster 
Stoped at Capt. [Abijah] Willards and took a mouthful and 
arrived at Mr. Curtis'' s at Worcester a little after Nine at Night 
we mist our way and about half a mile but comfortably found it 
again. 



wen 7 I tarried all the forenoon at Mr. Curtis's and dined after- 
noon went over to Mr. Goodwin about two mile. Peter Powers 
went over to Shrewsbuary to see some Friends; I lodged at Mr 
Goodwins, much refreshed with the sight of Worcester Friends. 

thu 8 I called to see Mr. Upham who keeps the School here, made 
two or three Visits in Town lodged at Mr. Browns my former 
Landlord when I preached in Town. 

frid 9 We sat out for Connecticut in the morning stopt at Escp 
Mores [Elijah Moore] at Oxford, we dined at Canvas's the 
Tavern at Killinly, [Conn.] and lodged at Mr. Howes ^ minister 
of the middle Parish, rode this Day 30 miles. 

Sat 10 Sat out on our Journey dined Mr. Hutchins ^ in the same 
Town who formerly belonged to Groton where we were kindly 
entertained. We arrived at Mr. Rowlands^ the Minister of 
Plainfield. 

Sab 11 I preached all Day from John 4. 42. There is here a separate 
Society who have a Layman ordained over 'em one Thomas 
Stevens there is near 50 Families of 'em. 

mun 12 We sat out for Newhaven Mr. Rowland in company Stopt 
at Norwich which is a very pretty Town dined at Cap. [Robert] 
Denison's an Uncle of Mr. Rowland, got to Connecticut River 
just after sunset, past over at Brackaway's [Brockway's] ferry 
between there and Sebrook we mist our way and wander an hour 
or two in the woods, at last found our way to Mrs. Lays the 
Tavern in Sebrook by 11 o'clock where we put up. rid 50 miles. 

tues 13 Sat out on our Journey, baited at Killingworth again at 
Gilford, and dined at Mr. Robins'* at Branford got over New 
haven ferry before sunset which is about 2 miles from the 
Colledge. We put up and got lodgings before Day Light in 
Spent the Evening at College. 

wen 14 Commencement, all Things were carried on with the ut- 
most decency, they came very little behind Cambridge its self. 

thurs 15 Breakfasted at College and sat out for home in company 
with Mr. Eells ^ of Middletown and arrived at his House in the 
Evening, about 34 miles. 

1 Perley Howe (H. C, 1731). 

- Probably a member of John Hutchins's family, who had removed from 
Groton forty years previously. 

3 David Sherman Rowland (Y. C, 1743). 
" Philemon Robbins (H. C, 1729). 
6 Edward Eells (H. C, 1733). 



frid 1 6 tarried in Town all Day went to another part of it and 
returned to Mr. Eells. This is a large Town situated at Connec- 
ticutt River, very populous. 

Sat 17 We sat on our Journey in Weathersfield. We met with Mr. 
Edwards of Northampton and concluded to go home with him 
the beginning of next week, by the leave of Providence, we stopt 
and dined at Harford and called at Mr. Edwards ^ at Winsor 
father to Mr. Edwards of Northhampton where we were over 
persuaded to tarry over the Sabbath. 

Sab 1 8 Mr. Edwards of Northampton preached A: M: from i Tim: 
6. 19. I preached P: M: from Can: 2. 16. very curteously 
treated here. 

mun 19 We sat out on our Journey and dined at Dr. [Charles] 
Pinchons at Long Meadows in part of Springfield and lodged 
at Mr. [Samuel] Hopkins^ minister of a Parish in Springfield 
on the west side of the River he is Brother to Mr. Edwards of 
North hampton, about 20 miles. 

tues 20 the forenoon being lowry we tarried at Mr. Hopkins till 
after Dinner and then proceeded on our Journey arrived at 
North hampton before Night. 

wen 21 Spent the Day very pleasant the most agreable Family I 
was ever acquainted with much of the Presence of God here, we 
meet with Mr. Spencer ^ a gentleman who was ordained last week 
Boston as a Missionary to the Indians of the 6 Nations he 
purposes to set out to morrow for Albany, the most wonderful 
instance of self denial I ever met with. 

thurs 22 We sat out for home Mr. Edwards was so kind as to ac- 
company us over Connecticutt River and bring us on our way 
we took our leave of him, he is certainly a great man. We dined 
at Cold-Spring [Belchertown] and got to Brookfield in the 
Evening lodged at Dr. [Jabez] Uphams who came from Maiden 
where we were very courteously entertained. 

frid 23 We were early on our Journey. Breakfasted at Mr. Eatons * 
the minister of the uper Parish of Leicester, made several visits 
in Leicester, dined at Mr. Spragues who has lately moved 
from Maiden, went down to Worcester and made two or three 
visits lodged at Mr. Goodwins. 

1 Timothy Edwards (H. C, 1691). 

2 Samuel Hopkins (Y. C, 1718) married Esther, sister of Mr. Edwards. 

3 Elihu Spencer (Y. C, 1746), ordained at Boston on September 4. 
* Joshua Eaton (H. C, 1735). 



Sat 24 Sat out on our Journey, dined at Col: [Samuel] Willards 
at Lancaster got home to Groton a little after sunset. I have 
had a very pleasant Journey, have not met with any Diliculty 
in travelling above 300 miles. Gods Name be praised. 

Sab 25 I preached all Day from Rom: 8. i. went up to Holies in 
the Evening found my sister^ comfortably a Bed with a Daughter, 
my Mother from Maiden has been up here about a fort Night. 

mun 26 I waited upon my Mother over to my Lodging. 

tues 27 returned back to Holies with Mother where I tarried two 
or three Days much out of Order with a Cold. 

frid 30 I came home and attended the private Meeting at Eben- 
ezer Gilsons. I read some out of Mr. Edwards Concert of Prayer. 

October Sat i I wrote two Letters in the forenoon one to Mr. 
Edwards, of Northampton the other to his second Daughter a 
very desireable Person, to whom I purpose by divine leave to 
make my addresses, may the Lord direct me in so important an 
affair; afternoon I went up to Holies my sister still comfortable 
beyond our Fears. 

Sab 2 I changed with Brother Emerson and preached at Holies all 
Day from, what is a Man profited if he gain the whole world, &c. 

mun 3 I sat out with my Mother for Maiden dined at Col Tings and 
got as far as Reading lodged at Capt. Eatons. 

tues 4 We arrived at Maiden found my Fathers family well. 

wen 5 I went to Boston did some Business and returned to Maiden. 

thu 6 made a visit or two in the forenoon afternoon I sat out 
for home went as far as Reading. 

frid 7 the weather so bad I could not proceed with comfort on my 
Journey, made several visits in Reading. 

Sat 8 returned to Groton. 

Sab 9 I preached all Day from 2 Pet: 3. 14. 

mun 10 I visited 3 Families out of the Bounds of the parish made 
pastoral visits Isaac Lakins, Sam'll Harwell, Benjamin Barkers. 

tues II had company all the forenoon, afternoon went down to 
Groton. 

wen 12 Studied all Day. 

1 Hannah, wife of Daniel Emerson. 



10 

thurs 13 Studied the forenoon, afternoon went down to Mr. Trow- 
bridges Lecture Mr. Hall ^ of Wesford preached from except 
ye eat the Flesh and drink the Blood of the son of Man ye have no 
life in you. 

frid 14 returned home, afternoon conversed with and wrote the 
Relations of two Persons who are about to joyn to the chh.- 

Sat 15 Studied all Day. 

Sab 16 expounded the 4 first Verses of the 37 Psalm dwelt on 'em 
all Day. 

mun 17 I went out a visiting made a pastoral visit to John Woods 
Family. Stopt by the Rain tarried all Night at Benj: Barkers. 

tues 18 I went up to Holies was sent for to visit two persons at 
Dunstable'' Massachusetts Mr. Pike and Wife both sick of 
Fever. I went & lodged at JNIr. John Kendals. 

wen 19 I returned to Holies spent the forenoon in religious Exer- 
cises with the family, this Day was kept as a Day of Thanks- 
givings by my Brother's family upon the wonderful comfortable 
circumstances of my sister this time of her Lying in afternoon 
publick Lecture Mr. Prince the blind man preached from Mighty, 
to save, a very profitable Sermon. I returned home in the 
Evening. 

thurs 20 Studied all Day in the Evening rid up to Mr. Boyntons 
in /7o//c^ and heard Mr. Prince again, from Gen: 41.55. I grow 
in my esteem of him, as a profitable preacher. 

frid 21 Our Lecture before the Sacrament Mr. Prince preached 
for me, from Luk: ig. i-io. 

Sat 22 I had company in the forenoon Mr Shed and Wife from 
Billerica, went up to Mr. Swallows and dined with 'em. 

Sab 23 I preached A: M: fromCol:3. 3. P:M:Mat. 5.4. Mr. 
Kendal a Brother of our chh. came to Meating in the forenoon, 

1 Willard Hall (H. C, 1722). 

" In olden times, persons, on joining the Church, made a confession of faith, 
and gave a " Relation of the manner of Gods working with there soules." 2 Proc, 
XII. 328. 

3 By the running of the new Provincial line between Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire in 1741 the town of Dunstable was cut in twain, leaving by far the 
larger part of the township in New Hampshire, including the meeting-house and 
burying-ground; and thus the two settlements remained for nearly a century, 
each town bearing the same name. The similarity of designation was the 
source of considerable confusion, which lasted till the New Hampshire town, on 
January i, 1837, took the name of Nashua after the river from which its 
prosperity largely is derived. 



1 1 

and stopt when I was about to administer the Ordinance of the 
Supper, and began to make some Objection against our way of 
work and in particular against one of the Brethren of this chh. 
I was obhged to stop him and desire him to withdraw which he 
did without makeing so much disturbance as I expected, he is 
deeply tinged with enthusiasm, he has not attended with us 
for some months. 

mun 24 I had company chief of the forenoon Mr. Bliss called to 
see me. Afternoon attended the funeral of the Widow Shipley, 
being sent for by Reason of Mr. Trowbridges being out of Town. 

tues 25 I studied chief of the Day. 

wen 26 forenoon did some Business in the parish, afternoon went 
to the other end of the Town & preached a sermon at Daniel 
Sartells from in the Time of Adversity consider, his Wife has been 
so low that she has not been able to attend publick Worship at 
the meeting house for 5 years. 

thurs 27 Studied part of the Day. conversed with two Persons 
one about to joyn in full communion, the other under prom- 
ising Convictions. 

frid 28 Studied some in the morning, and had determined to spend 
the rest of the Day .in Fasting and Prayer but was interrupted 
by my Brother Edivards coming in from Boston about i o'clock. 
Spent the Remainder of the Day with him, rid out to several 
Houses. 

Sat 2Q Studied all Day. 

Sab 30 I preached A: M: from Psa: 37. 5. P: M: from what is a 
Man profited &c. 

mun 31 I sat out with Brother Edward for Maiden and got safe 
there in the Evening. 

November tues i I went to Boston did some Business & returned 
to Maiden. 

wen 2 Sat out for home, being not well I reached as far [as] Mr. 
Benj'n Parkers of Groton. 

thurs 3 returned to my Lodgings did some Business in the parish. 

frid 4 Studied some conversed with 2 Persons who are about joyn- 
ing the chh. and went out in the Evening. 

Sat 5 Studied chief of the Day. 



12 

Sab 6 very much out of Order with a cold yet preached all Day 
from Psalm 37. 5. much better in the Evening. 

mun 7 Sat out some time before Day on a Journey to Northampton 
to visit Mrs. Esther Edwards, to treat of Marriage, got to 
Worcester comfortably tho' something stormy, lodged at Mr. 
Goodwins. 

tues 8 had a pleasant Day to ride in. got to Cold-Spring in the 
Evening, lodged at Mr. Billing's ^ the Minister where I was very 
courteously entertained. 

wen 9 I got safe to Northampton, obtained Liberty of the House, 
in the Evening heard Mr. Searle preach at an House in the 
Neighbourhood from by Grace are you saved. 

thurs 10 I spent chief of the Day with Mrs. Esther, in whose com- 
pany the more I am the greater value I have for her. 

frid II the young Lady being obliged to be from Home I spent the 
Day in copying off some things remarkable Mr. Edwards hath 
lately received from Scotland. Spent the Evening with Mrs. 
Esther. 

Sat 12 Spent part of the Day upon the Business I came about. 

Sab 13 A: M: Mr. Eaton of Leicester being here on a visit preached 
from in the Day of adversity consider. P : M : I preached from 
behold the Lamb of God, 

mun 14 I could not obtain from the young Lady the least Encour- 
agement to come again, the chief objection she makes is her 
youth, which I hope will be removed in Time. I hope the Disap- 
pointment will be sanctified to me, and that the Lord will by 
his Providence order it so that this shall be my companion for 
Life. I think I have followed Providence, not gone before it. I 
sat out with Mr. Eaton for home, we lodged at Coll: D wights 
at Brookfield. 

tues 15 I came as far as Worcester, lodged at Mr. Stearns. 

wen 16 I came to Lancaster, this Day the Rev'd Mr. Harring- 
ton - was installed to the pastoral Ofi&ce here Mr. Storer ^ of 
Watertown began with Prayer Mr. Hancock^ of Lexinton 
preached from i Cor: 9: 19. after supper I went to Harvard 
home with Mr. Seccomb. 

1 Edward Billings (H. C, 1731). - Timothy Harrington (H. C, 1737). 

3 Seth Storer (H. C, 1720). ^ jo^^ Hancock (H. C, 1689). 



thurs 17 I came home to my Lodging, dined at Capt. [Benjamin] 

Bancrofts at Groton. I was considerable melancholly under 

my Disappointment at Northampton concluded notwithstand- 

• ing by the Leave of Providence to make another trial in the 

Spring. 

frid i8 I read some forenoon P:M: went to the pri\-ate meeting 
at Mr. Wrights read a sermon of Mr. Elvins of the Obedience 
of Faith. 

Sat 19 So discomposed I could not study, I could not have tho't 
what I have lately met wath would have had this Effect, the Lord 
hath put me in a very good school. I hope I shall profit in it. 

Sab 20 much more composed I endeavered to roll off my Burden 
upon the Lord and he sustained me. I preached all Day from 
they who are whole need not a Physician but they ivho are sick. 

mun 21 Studied chief of the Day. 

tues 22 Studied forenoon, afternoon I went to see some workmen 
I have about my House. 

wen 23 I studied very hard all Day was much assisted. 

thurs 24 Public Thanksgiving. I preached from Praise ye the Lord, 
went up to Holies to supper; returned in the evening to marry 
a couple.^ 

frid 25 rid out with Brother Emerson in Town about Business. 

Sat 26 read some forenoon, afternoon wrote a Relation for Mercy 
Williams, rid up to Holies to change with B : Emerson. 

Sab 27 I preached at Holies all Day from he is the Rock &c. 

mun 28 I made one pastoral visit to Silas Blood on the other side 
of the River, made several other visits. 

tues 29 I studied forenoon, afternoon preached a sermon at John 
Woods from he is the Rock. 

wen 30 Studied hard all Day in the evening did some other writing. 

December thurs i Studied hard all Day. went in the Evening to 
Mr. Isaac Farnsworths and wrote the greater part of a Relation 
for his Wife. 

1 Without doubt the couple was Samuel Foster, of Boxford, and Jane Roynton, 
as the}' were married at Pei)[)ereli on this day. 



14 

frid 2 Studied forenoon, afternoon our Lecture I preached from 

prepare [therejore] with Joy shall ye draiv water out of the Wells 
of Salvation. 

Sat 3 I went in the morning to visit a child of Mr. Wrights who 
is sick of the Throat Distemper. She died afternoon. 

Sab 4 A:M: Sacrament, I preached from 2 Cor: 8: 9. P:M:from 
blessed are they who mourn &c. 

mun 5 I write two Letters to Northampton one to dear Mrs. Esther 
Edwards who I find ingrosseth two many of my Tho'ts yet some 
ghmmering of Hope supporteth my spirits, in the Evening 
I went down to Capt. [John] Bulkley's, lodged there. 

tues 6 Sat out with a Number of Groton people for Concord. I 
lodged at Capt. Hubbards a relation of mine where I was cour- 
teously entertained. I heard of the Death of Mr. Owen ^ of 
Boston, which affected me much, the best Friend I had in Boston. 
I pray God to sanctify to me. 

wen 7 I went to the other parish, attended the Ordination of Mr. 
Lawrence.- Mr. Appleton ^ of Cambridge began with prayer, 
Mr. Trowbridge preached from i Tim: 3. 15. Mr. Hancock 
of Lexinton gave the charge, Mr. Rogers ^ of Littleton prayed 
after the charge. Mr. Williams ^ of Weston gave the right Hand. 
after supper I rode down to my Fathers. My Mother hath 
been ill with the Slow Fever, but something better. 

thurs 8 I went to Boston attended the publick Lecture Mr. [Samuel] 
Checkley preached from Luk: 14. 27. dined with Mr. Brom- 
field, returned to Maiden. 

frid Q Sat out for Home, dined at Woburn with Mr. Cotton, lodged 
at Mr. Chandlers who hath lately bro't home his Wife who 
appears to be an agreeable Woman. 

Sat 10 came to Dunstable in [New] Hamshire in order to preach 
there tomorrow Mr. Prince is to supply my Pulpit took lodging 
at Col: Blanchards. 

Sab II I preached all Day from ivhat is a man profited if he gain 
the whole world &c. 

' William Owen, a tailor. 

^ William Lawrence (H. C, 1743) at this date ordained at Lincoln. 

^ Nathaniel Appleton (H. C, 171 2). 

^ Daniel Rogers (H. C, 1725). 

6 William Williams (H. C, 1705). 



15 

mun 12 breakfasted at Major Lovewells and after Dinner at the 
Col: returned to my Lodgings. 

tues 13 read all the forenoon afternoon attended the funeral of 
a child of Moses Woods who was still born. Evening went up 
to Holies heard part of a Sermon at Mr. Townshends from 
Mr. Prince lodged at Brother Emersons. 

wen 14 Spent the forenoon in reading part of Col: Gardiners Life, 
after Dinner returned home. 

thu 15 read some, conversed with two persons who are about own- 
ing- the covenant. Studied some Evening. 

V ■ 

frid i6~Stnciiedall Day. Evening went out about Business. 

Sat 17 Studied chief of the Day. 

Sab 18 I preached all Day from the whole need not a Physician hut 
they that are sick. 

mun 19 I went out made two pastoral visits on the other side of the 
River, viz to Nathan Fish, and James Blood. Studied some in 
the Evening. 

tues 20 read some in the forenoon, afternoon went up to Holies 
and pilotted Mr. Prince down who purposes to tarry a Day 
or two with us. I studied in the Evening. 

wen 21 I read chief of the Day to Mr. Prince and he preached a 
Sermon at my Lodgings in the Evening from behold I stand at 
the Door and knock. 

thurs 22 read something forenoon afternoon went to James Parker 
[Jr.] and married him at his own House to Rebekah Bulkley.' 
A decent pretty wedding. 

frid 23 I was this Day so pressed down under the weight of some 
peculiar Burdens both of a temporal and spiritual Nature that 
I could not fix my mind to do any thing at all in the forenoon, 
afternoon attended the private meeting at Mr. Sam '11 Fisks 
read a sermon out of Dr. Watts. 

Sat 24 Melancholly all Day, it seems to be growing upon me. I 
read a little but chief of the day sat meditating on my Troubles. 
Evening my Burden was somewhat lightned. O that I could be 
thankful for it almost unfit me for the service of God or Man. 

1 Son of James and Abigail (Prcscott) Parker. See Green, Groton Epitaphs, 
p. 17. 



i6 

Sab 25 preached all Day from the whole need not a Physician but 
they that are sick. 

mun 26 Went out to divert my self, and visited several of the Neigh- 
bours. 

tues 27 read some, attended some upon Company, and studied 
some the whole of the Evening. 

wen 28 Studied part of the Day began to read Ames Medulla ^ went 
in the Evening to wait upon the parish committee at James 
Lawrence about Business, after Nigh[n] O'clock I was sent for 
to see the Wife of Benj 'n Rolfe who has been exercised with Fits, 
and is in very great Distress of soul, her convictions appear 
strong, may they Issue well. 

thurs 29 read forenoon studied afternoon & Evening. 

frid 30 read some & studied some. 

31 read some & studied some, the year is now concluded and I may 
well finish my Journal as Ames does his Almanack Another 
year now is gone, but ah! how little have we done, alas! how 
little have I done for God, for my own soul, for the souls of 
my people committed I find a great deal Amiss, I would fly to 
the grace of Christ to pardon my Defects and to his strength 
to enable me to do more for him this year if he should please 
to spare my Life. 

A Journal for the year 1 749 

January Sab i I preached all Day from commit thy way to the 
Lord trust also in him etc. extreem cold Day very few People 
at Meeting. 

mun 2 I went out about Business in the parish. 

tues 3 did some odd chores in the Day. Studied Evening. 

wen 4 I went up to Moses Woods and preached a sermon in his 
House from turn thou me and I shall be turned, a larger Assembly 
than I expected. 

thurs 5 Dr. Brewster and Brother Emerson came to see me, I 
waited on 'em chief of the Day. Studied evening. 

frid 6 Went up to Holies after studying some in the morning and 
preached Brother Emerson Lecture from Fear not little Flock, 
&c returned Home. 

1 William Ames's Medulla Theologica. 



17 

Sat 7 Studied all Day, being hindered so much this week I could 
not get prepared for the Sabbath till in the Evening. 

Sab 8 I preached all Day from the whole need not a Physician, and 
extreem cold Day, much colder than the last Sabbath. 

mun 9 I went up to the other End of the parish visited Eleazer 
Greens wife ^ who is sick, and went down to Dunstable, lodged 
at Eben: Kendals. 

tues lo Went to see a man in the Neighboured who was appre- 
hended to be adying and he did die within an hour or two after 
I left the House. I returned Home. 

wen II forenoon I studied some, afternoon went to the parish 
Meeting. Evening waited upon Company. 

thurs 12 Studied all Day. Evening reckoned with some who have 
worked for me. 

frid 13 Studied forenoon, afternoon attended the Meeting at 
Jonas Varnum instead of the Lecture for I put by the Sacrament 
upon the Account of the difficulty of the Season. Spent the 
Evening at James Parkers. 

Sat 14 Studied all Day. 

Sab 15 I expounded all Day 2 Tim: 3. 1-12. 

mun 16 read chief of the Day. 

tues 17 read forenoon, afternoon & Evening spent with the Com- 
mittee who came to settle the Salary for this coming year. 

18 Went up to Holies spent the Day returned Evening. 

thurs 19 Studied forenoon, afternoon attended the funeral of child 
at Sam'U Rolfe tother side the River, the child was not a fort- 
night old born of a woman whom Ezra Rolfe brot here and calls 
his wife tho' he has another at Lancaster. I spent Evening at 
Deacon [William] Cumings with Brother Emerson & Mr. Prince. 

frid 20 Studied all Day. 

Sat 21 Studied all Day. 

Sab 22 preached all Day from Mai: 3. 16. 

mun 23 Studied some afternoon, entertained company. Mr. Prince 
came to tarry a Day or two with us. 

tues 24 Studied chief of the Day. 

1 Anna (Tarbell) Green. 



i8 

wen 25 Studied forenoon, afternoon went up to Holies. 

thurs 26 Studied all Day. Evening Mr. Prince preached at my 
lodging from to ^em who believe he is precious. 

frid 27 I went to Dunstable Brattles End.^ preached to a family 
Meeting at Mr. Eben: Kendals from Mai: 3. 16. and in the 
Evening at Mr. John Kendals from turn thou me and I shall be 
turned. 

Sat 2^ returned Home very much out of order. 

Sab 29 preached all Day from yea all who will live godly in Chris^ 
Jesus shall sufcr Persecution, much indisposed all Day. 

mun 30 my Illness seems to increase upon me. 

tues 31 Something better thro' Mercy was able to do a little writing, 
heard of the Death James Parker [Jr.] whom I married about 
a month ago. he died at his mothers at Town [Groton]. 

February wen i Something better wrote two Letters to North- 
ampton. 

tues 2 I went down to Groton attended the Lecture Mr. Trow- 
bridge preached from Mark 13. 35. I went to Unkety ^ lodged 
at John Woods. 

frid 3 attend the private Meeting at John Scots, read a sermon 
out of Dr. Watts. 

Sat 4 I studied some. 

Sab 5 I preached all Day from that they were wise. 

mun 6 read some in forenoon, afternoon walked up to Holies in 
order to joyn with Brother Emerson tomorrow in the Concert 
of Prayer. 

tues 7 We spent the forenoon in religious Exercises in private ex- 
cept one or two Neighbours with us, afternoon a publick Lecture. 
Brother Emerson preached from Esther 4. 14. 

wen 8 In the afternoon I sat out to return home went part of the 
way, and was beat out by a storm of snow, made a visit 
to the Widow Cummings ^ who hath for some Time been under 
peculiar Temptations, returned to Brother Emersons. 

1 Brattle's End was the name of the settlement in the neighborhood of Capt. 
Thomas Brattle's farm, now known as Dunstable, Massachusetts. 

2 "Unkety" was the neighborhood of Unquetenassett or "Unkety" Brook in 
Groton. 

^ Hannah (Farwell) Cumings, widow of Ensign Jerahmacl Cumings, and 
mother of the Rev. Henry Cumings (H. C, 1760). 



19 

thurs 9 Studied chief of the Day. 

frid lo Studied some in the Morning and returned Home to my 
lodging. 

Sat II Studied all Day. 

Sab 12 I preached all Day from yea, all who will live godly in Christ 
shall sujfer Persecution. 

mun 13 read all Day. Brother Emerson and Mr. Ward our school- 
master who keeps in the parish, spent the chief of the evening 
with me, and then I went up to Holies with Brother. 

tues 14 went early in the morning to Capt. Powers and cUd some 
Business made two three visits and returned to my Lodging. 
I conversed at Brother Emersons with Mrs. [Anna (Farwell)] 
Brown wife to Josiah Brown who is under very grievous Temp- 
tations and spiritual Dificulties. the Lord reheve her. 

wen 15 read some and studied some. 

thurs 16 Studied forenoon, afternoon made a visit to the Widow 
Parker,^ who is a young Widow indeed but a little above 18 years 
of Age. 

frid 17 Studied all Day. 

Sat 18 Went up to Townshend in order to change with Mr. 
Hemenway.- 

Sab 19 I preached at Townshend all Day from Mai: 3. 16. 

mun 20 I made several visits and returned home at Night. 

tues 21 I read all the forenoon, afternoon wrote a letter to North- 
ampton to send by Mr. Isaac Parker who designs to set out for 
there to morrow. Spent the evening with the committee who 
came up from Town to lay out the common about our Meeting. 

wen 22 Studied some, spent the evening with company. 

thurs 23 Studied chief of the Day, went in the Evening to visit 
Cap: Parker and Mehitabel Flanders, who seem to be abandoned 
to all wickedness, the Capt hath a Wife and yet even before 
her he will lay upon the Bed with this Flanders who is one of 
the most impudent sinners I ever heard of. I could not see the 
Cap. but talk with her discharged my own conscience but I 
fear did her but little good. 

1 Her maiden name was Rebekah Bulkley, and she was married to James 
Parker, Jr., on December 22. See diary of that date. 
- Phineas Hemenway (H. C, 1730). 



20 

frid 24 Studied forenoon Afternoon the preparitive Lecture I 
preached from these words my Beloved. 

Sat 25 This Day being the Annoversary of my Ordination I devoted 
to Fasting and Prayer. I was obhged to study some being 
not prepared for tomorrow. I endeavored to lay low before 
God for my many sins and the many aggrevations of 'em, es- 
pecially for the short comings of the year past, and awful breach 
of vows and Promises. I solemnly renewed my covenant made 
Resolutions and Promises. I hope in the strength of Christ 
that I would live better that I would watch more against 
sin, and especially against the sin, which doth most easily beset 
me and pleaded for strength to perform all Duties of my general 
and Particular calling. O Lord hear my Prayers accept my 
Humiliations give me strength to keep my vows, for Jesus 
sake Amen, and Amen. 

Sab 26 Sacrament, I preached all Day from 2 Cor: 8. 9. 

mun 27 I sat out for Maiden, got to my Fathers safe in the Evening. 
Went via Concord. 

tues 28 Spent the Day in visiting a Neighbour or two. The winter 
in a great measure broke up. 

March wen i accompanied my Uncle Moody a few Miles who 
hath been visiting his Friends here for some time. He is some- 
thing better than he hath been. 

thurs 2 I went down to Boston, Mr. Foxcroft preached the publick 
Lecture from Job: 1.5. I agreed to preach for Mr. Roby ^ at Lyn 
precinct [Saugus] next Lords Day who supplys my place. Mr. 
Cheever is to go up. I lodged at Charlestown, Mr. Hopkins. 

frid 3 returned to Maiden and preached my Fathers Lecture from 
Mai: 3. 16. 

Sat 4 I went to Lynn, took my lodging at Mr. Jonathan Waits. 

Sab 5 preached A:M: from there is no Peace saith my God to the 
wicked. P:M: from Mai: 3. 16. and in the Evening I preached 
a sermon at Mr. Waits from the whole need not a Physician but 
they who are sick. 

mun 6 I returned to Maiden made a visit or two by the way, 

tues 7 I went to Cambridge and visited a poor woman in jail who 
is condemned to die for Burglary.^ She appears one of the most 

1 Joseph Roby (H. C, 1742). 

* " Saturday last at Charlestown a Woman, who has been a notorious offender, 
received Sentence of Death for Burglary." The Boston Gazette, February 7, 1749. 



21 

hardened Creatures I ever saw. afternoon I went to Boston and 
returned to Maiden. 

wen 8 A:M: made a visit to Mr. Cleaveland. P:M: my Father 
preached a sermon to the children at his own House from acquaint 
now thy self with God and be at Peace. 

thurs 9 I sat out for Home, dined at Concord, spent the afternoon 
at Mr. [James] Minots lodged at Mr. [Daniel] BUsses. 

frid lo returned home. 

Sat II read something, received a letter from Mrs. Sarah Edwards 
of Northampton, who entirely discourages me from taking a 
journey again there to visit her sister, who is so near my heart. 
I am disappointed the Lord teach me to profit may I be 
resigned. 

Sab 12 I preached all Day from Rom: 8. i. 

mun 13 I began my pastoral visits and visited 5 families Dan'll 
Boynton, Jos[eph]: Jewet, Jonathan Woods, Jacob Ames,^ 
James Shattuck. 

tues 14 I kept school forenoon for Mr. Ward had 60 scholars after- 
noon I catechised in the same house had an hundred children 
present. I went up to Holies at night and lodged. 

wen 15 I went in company with Brother Emerson to Townsend 
Mr. Hemenways lecture, Mr. Trowbridge preached it from the 
precious Blood of Christ, returned home to my lodging, Brother 
Emerson. 

thurs 16 read some entertained company forenoon & afternoon 
married Abraham Parker to Loes Blood evening. 

frid 17 Studied forenoon, afternoon went to the private meeting 
at Mr. Whites read a sermon of Dr. Watts. 

Sat 18 Studied all Day. 

Sab 19 preached all Day from Job 19. 25. 26. 27. 

mun 20 Visited 5 families, Sam'll Shattuck, Will'm Spaulding, the 
young widow Parker, Simon Lakin, Nehemiah Hobart. 

tues 21 Very much out of order. I have a constant faintness at my 
stomach, more weak this spring than usual. 

1 Well known as the man who had shot an Indian who had killed his father 
at his garrison house on July 9, 1 724. • See Green, Grotoii during the Indian Wars, 
p. 132. This was the last Indian killed in the neighborhood of Groton. 



22 

wen 22 able to study some. 

thurs 23 public fast A:M: I preached from Isa: 58.1. P:M: 
Brother Emerson preached for me the day not being observed 
in [New] Hampshire from Psal 79. 8, 9. 

frid 24 Very faint and weak yet. I wrote two letters to Maiden, 
received visits, went out toward evening with Mr. Ward to see 
Mr. Prescott. 

Sat 25 read some forenoon. Went up to Holies to change with 
Brother Emerson. 

Sab 26 I preached at Holies A: M: from Hoseah 3. i. P: M: from 
Mai: 3. 16. came home in the evening. 

mun 27 My weakness increases upon me so I am obliged to leave 
pastoral visits for a time. I rode out and did some business in 
the parish. 

tues 28 I rode up to my place to see my workmen. I had 19 yoke 
of oxen at work for me and 16 hands all given me my people 
seem to grow in their kindness to me, blessed be God, they cross 
ploughed 3 or 4 acres of land. 

wen 29 I rode down in town made several visits lodged at Capt. 
Bulkleys. 

thurs 30 attended Mr. Trowbridges lecture Mr. Hemenway 
preached from Psal: 26. 6. I went to Unkety lodged at Mr. 
Perkins. 

frid 31. returned home and read some. 

April Sat i able to read to some but little. 

Sab 2 I was obliged to preach old sermons all day from Rom : 8: 28. 

mun 3 ride over to Lancaster I find riding of service to me under 
my present weakness. 

tues 4 the weather so bad I tarried in town all day. Visited Mr. 
[Timothy] Harrinton. 

wen 5 returned as far as Groton dined at Mr. Seccombs lodged at 
Major Lawrences.^ 

thurs 6 returned home morning our lecture Mr. Trowbridge 
preached from Prov. i. 24. the chh stopt after lecture and 
unanimously renewed their choice of Jer: Lawrence and John 

^ Belter known as Colonel William Lawrence. 



23 

Spofford for Deacons, who have not yet given their answers 
tho' they have been chose for 14 months. 

frid 7 Fast at Holies Mr. Emerson preached all day from Psal: 
79. 8. 9. 

Sab 9 Sacrament I preached A:M: from do this in remembrance 
of me. P: M: from there is no peace saith my God to the wicked. 
My weakness still continues. 



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